As 1968 passes with the world in turmoil, Will and Dinah grow closer together. Their relationship grows stronger and their bond seems to be impenetrable. It's not until Will finds out he's being drafted to go to Vietnam that their love is faced with the very turmoil that has always seemed a world away.

When tragedy strikes in Vietnam and sends Will home just a few weeks earlier than scheduled, Dinah discovers that the man returning is not the same boy she kissed goodbye nearly a year earlier. Will knows that things will never be the same, yet he tries his hardest to make things easier for his family and Dinah. However, it's not long until he realizes that he can't keep up the charade. He's not the same person that left her and he doesn't think he ever will be again.

So they go their separate ways; Dinah to culinary school, and Will to Colorado to build houses. As time passes and relationships fail, they both realize that splitting up was a mistake and they find their way back to each other.

Years pass and they get married; life is perfect and the only thing missing is the patter of little feet. After trying for a long time, little Conner arrives and their world is more full than they ever could have imagined. Then beautiful little Paige arrives, and finally a wonderful and unexpected Logan to complete their family.

Life has blessed them in ways they never imagined and couldn't be more grateful for, but when tragedy strikes again, no one is left untouched. Life seems to stop and for reasons no one but Will could understand, he pulls away yet again, this time leaving his family behind. It's not until several years later that they discover that the very tragedy that tore them apart could bring them back together one last time.

While I don't personally agree with Ms. Johnson's politics or the way she attempted to tie the Vietnam War to the current war, Will and Dinah's story is a well written and moving one. As I read CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND PAST, I could definitely imagine the emotions of Dinah and Will as they deal with not only his past, but also with the tragedy that takes a huge part of their life away. On a whole, I'd say that this is a wonderful story that the reader will find themselves laughing and maybe even crying with a bit. I know I did.

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